Introduction

The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) Style Guidelines are an international reference for describing, evaluating, and categorizing beer, mead, and cider. They are designed to provide a common vocabulary for judges, brewers, and organizers, ensuring that evaluations are consistent, fair, and educational across competitions worldwide.

Each style entry defines the characteristics, balance, and intent of traditional and modern beverages — including appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression. Historical context, ingredients, and variations are also noted to help judges appreciate authenticity and creativity while recognizing technical merit.

While the guidelines serve as a standard for competition judging, they also function as an educational resource for brewers seeking to understand classic and emerging styles. The descriptions emphasize sensory outcomes rather than strict recipes, encouraging informed interpretation rather than rigid replication.

The BJCP guidelines are periodically updated to reflect evolving trends, new discoveries, and refinements in the understanding of traditional and innovative styles. For complete and current versions, visit www.bjcp.org.